Amazon Withdraws Tax Abatement Request In Windsor

WINDSOR — Amazon has withdrawn its request for tax abatements and reduced building permit fees, causing confusion over the company's intentions to build a 1.5 million-square-foot distribution center on Day Hill Road expected to produce 300 jobs.

The project's developer, KTR Capital Partners, is continuing its work to have land-use permits approved — the Windsor Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved it unanimously Monday. The town planning and zoning commission unanimously approved the project on Tuesday.

Also, a purchase agreement is still in place for the 90-acre plot where the distribution center is planned, according to the current owner, Griffin Land.

"It's hard to read because the developer is continuing with the land-use process, but it certainly gives me pause," said Town Manager Peter Souza, who first learned of the development on Friday.

Amazon officials did not respond to requests for comment.

The company had been seeking an 80 percent property tax abatement over five years and a 50 percent reduction in building permit fees as part of a $50 million building project.

The town's economic development commission recommended that the town council approve a 70 percent abatement and a 50 percent building permit fee reduction. The council was expected to vote on that suggestion Monday.

Amazon's withdrawal comes after suggestions made by Deputy Mayor Alan Simon last week that the town drive harder bargains concerning abatement approvals, including commitments to higher wages, local hiring and accountability clauses, prompted the move.

Simon said Tuesday that if the town is going to potentially lose $4.5 million in revenues as a result of abatements and reduced permits, it should try to get the best deal for residents.

"How can we use abatements to bring more benefits to the community?" Simon said, adding that he didn't believe he had enough votes on the council to add the provisions.

Regardless of his proposal, Simon said he would still like to see the company settle in town, but added that Windsor was not a desperate community.

"We're in good shape financially," he said.

Joe Budd, a spokesman for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, said Tuesday that Simon's proposal was an unusual one and that he couldn't recall any other towns attempting it in recent memorry.

Mayor Donald Trinks agreed Tuesday that the suggested provisions didn't have enough support to pass.

Trinks said it wasn't in the council's purview and that it would set a bad precedent for future economic development.

"As much as I'd like to see local people get construction work the big picture is long-term employment," he said.

The state is offering a $1.5 million subsidized loan at 2 percent to TELLING Industries, a metal framing manufacturer that bought an industrial building in Windsor for $1,350,000 earlier this year, according to a trade publication.

HARTFORD — In a sign that the near-stalemate between Amtrak and Connecticut is over, the railroad on Friday announced a major operational change to accommodate construction of the new Hartford Line commuter service.

Summer Fun Days in the Park is a perfect way to celebrate a summer night surrounded by family and friends in a relaxing yet enjoyable environment. On August 7, high school students from Windsor's Youth Services Bureau will host the annual Summer Fun Days at Deerfield Park from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cigna Corp., the first company to gain a multimillion-dollar incentive deal under Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's First Five program, can continue to receive state tax credits even if it cuts 700 jobs over the next six years.